OKTAGON MMA closed out the yr with an almighty bang inside O2 Enviornment, Prague, this previous Friday evening, December 29. A capability crowd of 20,000 at OKTAGON 51 watched on because the inaugural €1 million Tipsport Gamechanger event – the European MMA Champions League – reached its conclusion and one of many largest shocks within the historical past of the promotion occurred. Open scoring was additionally utilised for the primary time which led to extra thrilling motion as fighters chased the end once they knew for sure their bouts hung within the steadiness.
In the principle occasion, Bojan Veličković (25-12-2) submitted Andreas Michailidis (16-7) throughout spherical three to win the Tipsport Gamechanger at welterweight for Serbia in addition to claiming large prize cash of €300,000. It was Michailidis who bought the higher of the early going and at instances seemed as if he was going to earn the end, however ‘The Prometheus’ took over earlier than sinking in a rear bare choke. After choosing up 4 wins in 2023, Veličković now plans on taking a while off to relaxation and recuperate whereas the event begins a second season that includes the lightweights in March.
Piotr Wawrzyniak (12-5) defeated Vlasto Čepo (12-3) by TKO within the co-headliner to win the interim middleweight title after stepping up on brief discover. The Pole absorbed just a few huge pictures throughout spherical one however rallied to dominate utilizing his spectacular grappling abilities. He rained down plenty of blows in spherical three till the referee had seen sufficient and waved off the competition. The 32-year-old is now using a five-fight successful streak and can look to unify the belts as soon as champion, Patrik Kincl, returns from harm in just a few months.
One of many largest upsets in OKTAGON MMA historical past occurred in a particular function 88.5kg/195lbs catchweight bout when ‘Pirát’ Krištofič (17-6) delivered a surprising one-punch knockout on Karlos Vémola (36-8). Each rivals started swinging punches at one another from the very begin but it surely was ‘Pirát’ who landed a clear blow which despatched ‘The Terminator’ crashing to the canvas. It was the largest win of the Slovakian’s profession by far and a real star-making efficiency which units up some huge fights in 2024. In the meantime, Vémola will regroup to rematch Attila Végh through the summer season inside a soccer stadium – one of the crucial monumental fights in promotional historical past.
Elsewhere on the cardboard, Daniel Škvor (7-3) sealed a unanimous determination victory in opposition to Martin Zawada (29-19-1) at gentle heavyweight earlier than ‘King Kong’ introduced his retirement and Stefano Paternò (16-4-1) submitted Ion Surdu (14-6) in a welterweight contest. Eva Dourthe (8-5) additionally earned a shot at Katharina Dalisda’s strawweight title by overcoming Chiara Penco (8-5) after fifteen minutes.
OKTAGON 51 Outcomes Predominant Card Predominant EventTipsport Gamechanger FinalBojan Veličković (25-12-2) defeated Andreas Michailidis (16-7) by submission (rear bare choke) at 3:21 of spherical three to win the inaugural Tipsport Gamechanger event Co-Predominant EventOKTAGON MMA Interim Middleweight TitlePiotr Wawrzyniak (12-5) defeated Vlasto Čepo (12-3) by TKO (punches) at 3:19 of spherical three to win the interim middleweight title Catchweight (88.5kg/195lbs)Samuel ‘Pirát’ Krištofič (17-6) defeated Karlos Vémola (36-8) by knockout (punch) at 1:48 of spherical one Gentle HeavyweightDaniel Škvor (7-3) defeated Martin Zawada (29-19-1) by unanimous determination (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Tipsport Gamechanger Reserve BoutStefano Paternò (16-4-1) defeated Ion Surdu (14-6) by submission (armbar) at 2:37 of spherical two Preliminary Card Catchweight (68kg/150lbs)Karol Ryšavý (13-6) defeated Henrique Madureira (6-5) by TKO (punches) at 1:59 of spherical one Strawweight #1 Contender BoutEva Dourthe (8-5) defeated Chiara Penco (8-5) by unanimous determination (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) FeatherweightRadek Roušal (2-0) defeated Kallum Parker (2-3, 1NC) by unanimous determination (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Catchweight (55kg/121lbs)Mallory Martin (8-6) defeated Magdaléna Šormová (11-5) by break up determination (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) LightweightHassan Shaaban (3-1) defeated Tomáš Fiala (7-7, 1NC) by knockout (flying knee) at 1:58 of spherical one
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Government Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and likewise a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
